Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Thermis, Little Gifts and a Shamrock

Hi Knitters,

Checking in here. Well, here is my first Thermis. I thoroughly enjoyed this pattern. It is clearly written and I learned a couple new things. I did the Thermal or Waffle stitch for the first time. I like this stitch and will use it again. It would make a good scarf because it's reversible. I also did the sewn bind off for the first time. It is fine but I am not sure it is necessary. The regular old bind off would do fine, too, but it was fun to try something new. I would use the sewn bind off again. Supposedly it is stretchier than a regular bind off.The buttons are a gift from a wonderful blog reader who sent The Collector the most fantastic little tin filled with fun little trinket buttons. How sweet is that? The buttons are from Anne in Minnesota. Thank you for the gift, The Collector is in love with the buttons. The buttons on my Thermis are vintage Jack and Jill. They are awesome. I snuck them out of the tin and it didn't go unnoticed. I got seriously quizzed about my actions. However, there are two more of the same remaining in the tin. The other thing is that she has systematically taken most of my button collection and added it to her button collection. I thought it was fair for me to use two for the neck warmer. She seemed to agree in the end. Two collectors in one family can be tricky.Okay, let me tell you a few observations I have about Thermis. I knitted it out of the suggested yarn, Patons Classic Wool, bought at Joann's. It is a fine, sturdy wool. That's it. There is nothing really remarkable about it. It is okay. Another worsted would work just as fine and maybe a softer worsted would be good. I've seen some done in Malabrigo on ravelry which is really soft.

I used the suggested needle size of 6 and the gauge was fine but felt small to me. I am making a second Thermis in gray and this time I am using a size 7 needle. I felt like I kept wondering why the 6's the whole time. I could see no reason for it. The 7's feel more comfortable and the gauge will be fine. Either size is fine, whatever works best for you in the end.

Lastly, I found the thing to be a bit too long. On the second go I am shortening the rib section by maybe 5-7 rows, can't remember exactly. I could have shortened it more I think.

That's my take on it. I haven't worn it yet, I keep thinking I might give it to someone with a longer neck: ) I like it and would recommend the pattern.Kristin Nicholas sent me an email awhile ago asking for my address. She told me she had a surprise to send me. I sent my address and I remember being curious about what in the world she would send. Then I forgot about it just like I forget most other things. A short while later I received a little package and note from Kristin. Inside was a stack of her beautiful postcards. I tossed them down on my luggage label table for the photo. See if you can pick out her cards. Some are of her fantastic Farm filled with sheep others are her colorful artwork and her beautiful yarn, Julia. BTW, Julia would make a squishy, lush Thermis, I may use that next.

I love them so much that I have the urge to save them forever. Luckily she sent me two copies of each so I have a spare. I can't recommend Kristin's blog and shop highly enough. Her life on the farm is fascinating, her textile designs are admirable and her photography is breathtaking.I am egg and egg cup obsessed. I have a small collection of egg cups of my own so seeing the beautiful Julia yarn in the egg cups and the egg carton is just too much. Aren't they great?Order a set for yourself here. Kristin's shop is impressive it includes her books, printed totes and mugs with her own artwork (I have ordered her totes and gave them for gifts), pdf stitchery patterns and the postcards. Great Valentine's gift ideas for anyone are in this shop.

Surprise! I am washcloth obsessed now. Irish knitters behold and those who long to be Irish as well, this is my new St. Patrick's Day Shamrock washcloth. I am part Irish so I always look forward to wearing the green on St. Patty's Day. The pattern for the Shamrock washcloth is coming soon. I have to find a moment when my son is available to help so probably in a day or two or three. He's a busy guy.

I did this washcloth or dishcloth in Lily's Sugar-n-Cream the shamrock in #18712 Hot Green (not a good name for a color in my opinion), and #19713 Key Lime Pie (food names are always good) for the edging. I knitted on size 8 needles at about 4 stitches per inch. Size H crochet hook for the edging. If you are planning on making one, get your supplies ready now.

It is 10 inches by 10 inches. I'll give more details when I post the pattern. I am making another Shamrock in the Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille in shades of solid green. I will share this one when I am done. I love the squishy chenille for a baby/child washcloth. You can't beat it.

I am loving the cheap, quick little projects lately. A good washcloth/dishcloth provides just that. It couldn't be more fun and satisfying.

14 comments:

Just a quick note on using Julia for a Thermis - I made a tea cozy using this yarn in that stitch pattern and it is beautiful, squishy and keeps my teapot nice and cozy. I've got several skeins of Julia I've been wondering what to do with and Thermis is it!

Using Julia for a Thermis is a great idea - I made the tea cozy in Last Minute Knitted gifts out of it, using that same stitch pattern and it is great - squishy and keeps my teapot nice and cozy. I've been looking for another pattern to use my Julia stash and Thermis is it!

I have been enjoying making the heart wash clothes. It's an instant gratification project for me because they knit up so fast. I was wondering if you were going to create a shamrock pattern. I can't wait to try to make one of those. Thanks

I'm on my second Thermis. First one was size 6 needles, second was on size 7 (by mistake) and that is fine. However, like you, I am making it shorter this time. Your's looks great and I love the buttons.

Thanks Susan! I did find the pattern after I googled it. I am actually half way done with it:o)I enjoy your blog very much...I love hearing little tidbits about Madison and State Street. UW is my alma mater and it brings back such great memories when I hear you talk about it.Thanks again,Kelly

Thanks for your tips on Thermis. I had seen it several places and love the design and waffle pattern, but it looked a bit long for me. Your experience was helpful and now I'm adding it to my short list!

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